Philippines accused of being ‘anti-poor’ with public transport ban on Covid unvaccinated

Rights groups say the ban penalises those who cannot travel in a private vehicle or work from home

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The Philippine government has defended a controversial ban that prevents unvaccinated people from using public transport in the capital of Manila, denying that the policy is anti-poor".

The no vaccination, no ride" policy is designed to curb a recent wave of Covid infections and applies to all modes of transport to and from Metro Manila, including public buses, jeepneys, rail, boats and planes. The policy will be fully implemented from Monday, according to local media, when passengers will be required to show proof of vaccination.